Peggy has turned into a bully!

PeggyAndBettysMum

PeggyAndBettysMum

Junior Guinea Pig
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Oct 25, 2019
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Probably been done a million times, I’ve read all the guidance but it’s terrifying to watch. My girls have been doing great, slowly starting to relax and not freak out when some one coughs or walks past. The advice on here has been brilliant for some one like me who has had GP’s all my life but never rescue ones. Peggy is obviously the dominant pig and things have been ok with that relationship up til now. I was told they had always been together but I’m wondering if that’s right. Today the they have changed, they’ve gone back to being petrified of everything but Peggy has also started attacking Betty.
Poor Betty is petrified ofPeggy, she’s hiding and squeaking and Peggy is chattering her teeth and making alkinds of noises. They’ve been like this all afternoon and evening. Even if Peggy comes out her pigloo, Betty starts freaking out like she knows what’s coming, even if she doesn’t get chased! I can't work out what’s going on! Peggy sometimes chases Betty and sometimes she just comes over for food and this makes Betty freak out! I don’t know what to do! It’s breaking my heart! I’ve always had sows and always seen the relationship between them with the boss pig but I don’t think I’ve ever seen another one so scared of the other!
 
Also want to add, I have them some floor time last night and I don’t think they like it! Also, let them have a little run on the grass this afternoon and they were traumatised! I was making progress and now I’m back to square one! Trying not to make this about me but I think I’m rubbish at this 😩
 
Could she be having a particularly strong season which has caused the change in behaviour.

If I recall you’ve not had them long, a change in environment ie being out on for floor time could have unsettled them if it was one of the first few times they’ve done it. Equally being out on the lawn (if they’ve not done it before) can be scary. Putting a blanket over the run roof can help make them feel more protected and help settle them. Do remember though that they shouldn’t be exposed to changes in temperature between outdoors and inside at this time of year
 
I only let them out for about 20 mins today, the sun was shining and it is a sun trap in my garden. I covered 3/4 of the cage with tarpaulin and put some boxes in and stayed outside with them. I was also thinking about a strong season, would explain the moodiness and extra assertion! It’s shocking too see, I know there is always a hierarchy and that’s not the nicest thing to watch but I was taken aback by this today. Maybe just too much too soon. I’ve had them just over two weeks now. It’s really hard to find the balance between leaving them alone as it’s scary for them, sitting silent by the side of the cage for hours and deciding when to handle them! Now I can’t take my eyes off of them! Poor Betty is petrified!
 
Hello. I'm really sorry you having a worrying time.
I don't have answers but you need to keep a close eye on things as you are doing.
I have all sows and I've tried to bond them and wow no way. within 15 mins it was a war and the noise fighting etc . . I could go on but I've put a long thread on here about it
Yes you could been told they were a couple before but that lie is common when someone person shop etc want to get rid of unwanted piggies.
You say you read things on here about bonding etc I'm hoping you getting answers.
If it gets really bad you may have to separate them. . . I know prob you don't but piggies need to be happy together.
Keep us posted pls and i wish you all the best.
Being on here and asking is a great start.
 
You not the first to have piggies fall out etc. I'm sure more people on here will advise and lend you their experiences.
I wish my pigs would get on and dam anoying they kiss through c+c bars. I'm also seeing my two slowly swoping dominant.
 
PeggyAndBettysMum said:
Also want to add, I have them some floor time last night and I don’t think they like it! Also, let them have a little run on the grass this afternoon and they were traumatised! I was making progress and now I’m back to square one! Trying not to make this about me but I think I’m rubbish at this 😩
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Hi! It sounds like a season. Loud squeaking is submission squeaking. Please be aware that a leader who is insecure in themselves tends to go oveboard with the dominance; they often also have a more pronounced season. If things haven't calmed down again a lot by tomorrow evening and are still at the same level, then I would start worrying.
In the degree the leader is relaxing into their position and their new life, the relationship will also do this.

Please do not throw new stress into the mix until that relaxation has happened. Be aware that guinea pigs are prey animals and see any new territory as a potentially hostile space, especially any open space where they are exposed to predators. The run takes time to get used; ideally you start with lots of cardboard boxes with two exits and tunnels and allow your girl to get used to them in their normal surrpundings first before you dot them around the run about a foot apart. Also cover the run at least half with a blanket or sheet for a feel of protection.

Please do not put your piggies on the lawn during the winter, especially not after all those cold, frosty nights and rain! If the ground is cold and for your own bare feet within 5 minutes of standing on it, it will be for your piggies, too!
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time
 
Everything is so much more intense with rescue pigs! My nerves are on edge! Thankyou for your advice, I’ll leave them well alone for 24 hours, observe them closely and see what happens. Peggy has just approached Betty again in Bettys kitchen and she was treated to a big wee in her face! 😂 I’ve put two brand new fleeces in for them to snuggle into as the pigloo seems to be out of bounds for Betty. Hope they settle for the night!
 
They’re much calmer! Betty is still a little more timid than she has been this last week but they seem a bit more friendly! I’m currently sat on the floor with them next to their cage and with some dinner and little toys and they’re busying themselves away! Phew!
 
Little update: Peggy calmed down yesterday and all was ok. Today, I took out Bettys kitchen and treated them to a big box full of hay and goodies for them to play in. Not sure if they were being moody with each other or playing but there was some zooming going on and they were very noisy for about 2 hours! not wheeking more like just chuntering away. Betty seemed to be holding her own though so not sure if they were just excited! Every time Peggy came out of her bed, Betty zoomed into it 😂 until Peggy chased her out but it didn’t seem aggressive like the other day. Both climbing on each other etc Betty has been very noisy and won’t chill out and I’ve just realised why... I took out ‘her kitchen’ to make way for the big box. Now, both bedrooms are cleaned and cosied and bettys kitchen has been returned and she’s sitting in it as proud as punch. Peggy is in hers 🙄I have 3 teenage daughters who slam doors and stomp about and I’ve now got two piggies who do the same 🤷🏼‍♀️😂
 
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